If there is one thing that adds some excitement to the NHL season, it would be fantasy hockey. Going head to head against friends, colleagues, family and random hockey minds across the globe is certainly something that brings me joy. It always helps to add to the excitement by being successful and taking care of business week in, week out and eventually claiming the top seed come fantasy playoff time or the end of the regular season. Who doesn’t like winning, am I right?
Perhaps some of you followed me before my brief hiatus, but those of you who’ve not seen me around I will give you a quick breakdown of my fantasy credentials and vast experience in the game.
I’ve been enjoying fantasy hockey since back when it was done with pencil and paper and stats were kept on excel sheets. We would meet at the round table and people would pay two dollars for an add/drop, which increased the total payout money and had to be noted in the excel document. How things have changed!
Over the years the platforms have gotten better and better and more and more research is available at our hands. From the days of Office pools, ESPN, Yahoo, CBS as well as many other variety of pools all hockey related. I’m not perfect but my record almost is, and with that being said I’m happy to help guide, discuss and give tips on who I think will help win your hockey fantasy match ups.
Over the years I’ve had a number of people reach out to me with trade idea’s or inform me that I helped them win their fantasy this year and are quite pumped to let me know. It’s why I’m here, to help!
Years ago I joined a fantasy pool where I was taking over a team, and it was the worst team by far. It’s a 45 man roster, 40 keeper league with just about every category you could imagine. It’s deep, really deep, and that’s what keeps me up to date with all of the prospects ripening and players who are breaking out. You don’t win fantasy hockey by sitting on your hands, you have to be active and go with your gut. There are strategy’s to every different type of fantasy hockey, it’s in your best interest to use up your moves weekly to maximize output and win every possible point you can each week. Just like the NHL, every point in your pocket can result in your make or break in the end.
After gutting that 45 man roster I left myself with one player from the original roster seven years ago. That man was Leon Draisaitl, the German Gretzky. The rest of the team I traded for picks, prospects or simply dumped them to add a number of quality prospects to my roster that were available as free agents. After one more season of finishing last place it was time to crank this rebuild to the next gear. I made a number of quality adds to my team (drafting/free agency) and then sprinkle in a few fleece job trades and voila, I went from 10th to 6th place. A solid leap forward; I was happy with this jump, but now I need to get myself into the top three so I can get the rake out and start padding the pockets. Another off season of trading…when you have some high end prospects people are willing to pay for them and usually when someone approaches you for a player you can ensure your going to get a decent return. Don’t be shy to play hard to get! After finishing third the following season, it’s been three first place finishes in a row and I’m battling at the top this season. Looking to set a record in the pool this year with a dynasty fourth straight victory.
Last season I lost two head to head match ups (total) in three different pools, absolute domination. I could go on and on about some of the trades and strategy involved but that’s all in the past and it’s time to dial into the present.
Starting next week there will be a weekly breakdown and I will give my two cents on who I think will help your team that week/going forward. Knowing is half the battle, and keeping a close eye on players who are breaking out or cooling off can really help your weekly production. Obviously number of games played and who they match up against is key for a successful campaign.
There seems to be a number of players who are getting placed on the COVID list, so keep an eye out as one player out can open up a window of opportunity for another. For example, Binnington is out for the Blues (until December 11) which gives Ville Husso the job between the pipes until then. He could be a good add for your fantasy team if you need a goaltender. Just be weary of Thursday’s start against a red hot Florida team who can score. Looking ahead the Blues also play Florida the following week (on Tuesday) but will still have three more games that week against Detroit, Montreal and Anaheim.
The season is still young as most teams have about sixty games to go. That gives a lot of time to turn things around or continue to gain your lead at the top of your fantasy pools. If you have any questions feel free to ask in the comments section and I’ll do my best to help.
Thanks for reading and enjoy the rest of your day and weekend!
Blogger •Fantasy Hockey Expert • 
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